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First International Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Scientific Workshop Takes Place

From Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation

On January 25-26 more than 30 of the leading experts in the field of pediatric cardiology gathered together in Bethesda, Maryland for the first international scientific workshop on pediatric cardiomyopathy. The conference was jointly organized by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and supported in part by grants from the NHLBI, Genzyme Therapeutics, and CIBC World Markets.

The attendees included clinicians and researchers specializing in a range of disciplines: pediatric cardiology, pediatric gastroenterology, surgery, genetics, adult internal medicine, adult cardiology, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Attendees came from the United States, Canada, and Australia to participate in this pivotal meeting. The purpose of the conference was to bring together leading physicians and researchers to determine the focus of research on pediatric cardiomyopathy and to discuss research possibilities. The conference presentations centered on three general themes: Molecular and Genetic Issues, Epidemiology, Etiology and Outcomes, and Clinical Issues. Each session featured presentations from top cardiomyopathy specialists followed by a roundtable discussion and a question-and-answer period.

Workshop sessions were moderated by Dr. Jeff Towbin (Texas Children's Hospital), Dr. Steve Lipshultz (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine), Dr. James Wilkinson (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine), and Dr. Steven Colan (Children's Hospital Boston). During the evening session there was a preview of CCF's new patient video on pediatric cardiomyopathy followed by several presentations by young investigators.

An important outcome of the meeting will be the sharing of information with the rest of the pediatric cardiology community. Proceedings from the meeting and a consensus statement from the participants will appear in a three part series in Progress in Pediatric Cardiology, a leading journal on pediatric cardiology. The first issue is expected this summer. Presentations from the meeting will also be available for viewing on CCF's website (www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org) in the near future.

lyue@childrenscardiomyopathy.org.

Submitted by Lisa Yue, Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation

Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation Research Grants Availability

The Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF) is pleased to announce the availability of research grants for studies focused on pediatric cardiomyopathy.  The purpose of the award is to advance knowledge of the basic mechanism of the disease and to develop more accurate diagnostic methods and improved therapies for children affected with cardiomyopathy.  Please visit CCF’s website at www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org for more information and to view past grant awards.